Dear Editor,

The first place I look when I open Presbyweb is the letters section (mostly to see if my offerings have been posted -- but also because this is where the action is). So I was intrigued by the Rev. Richard E. Hoffman's appeal to the Circleville Church to reconsider their decision to affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He seems to think that because 01-A has been so soundly defeated that the fire is out and the crisis is over. All I could think was "set the reflash watch because it ain't over yet."

As I was considering how better to articulate my contribution to this discussion I scrolled on up to the news stories. And lo and behold, I found the refutation of Rev. Hoffman's appeal in the farcical ruling by the Central Florida PJC. Is this totalitarian abuse of the judicial process really evidence that the church is moving back toward the middle? What on earth would convince anyone -- except bigoted theological fascism -- that reiterating standards enshrined in our Book of Confessions is in any way, shape or form a violation of G-18.0201? And how is requiring candidates for ordination or installation to affirm that they will abide by the Constitution of the Church -- including the requirements of fidelity and chastity as well as the tenets of our Confessions -- be out of the bounds of a governing body's duty and obligation to support, defend and enforce the provisions of that same Constitution?

I believe it was Adolph Hitler who said he would use the tools of democracy to destroy democracy. And he almost succeeded.

On the basis of such malfeasance by the Central Florida Presbytery PJC, I don't believe I would be willing to reconsider staying with the PCUSA were I a member of the Circleville Church. I would be asking, "When will the thought-Nazi be coming for me?"

To the Confessing Church Movement and all who hold to biblical orthodoxy in the PCUSA -- standby for heavy rolls. The battle for the soul of our church has just taken a vicious and mean-spirited turn for the worse.

My encouragement to the Sebastian Session: Appeal this abominable miscarriage of justice all the way to the GA PJC. Stand firm, the Lord is with you (see 2 Chronicles 20). Rejoice that you have been found worthy to suffer for Jesus Christ on account of your faithful testimony. I suspect you won't be alone in that situation for long.

Rev. Bill Pawson
Minister in Other Service
Pembroke Pines, FL